International Second Home Retirement Motives in Malaysia: Comparing British and Japanese Retirees

Abstract

Generally, the international second home (ISH) retirement develops from the need for better life quality of the aging population globally. "Malaysia My Second Home" (MM2H) is an ISH scheme that aims to attract inbound retiree market in Malaysia. This study explores the retirement motivations and their influences on ISH decision using the combination of push -pull travel motivation theory and tri-reference point (TRP) theory, while simultaneously comparing the British and the Japanese retirees. We interviewed 26 MM2H participants in depth and content analyzed the data with qualitative NVivo software. Other than common motivations shared by both groups, there are also distinct differences, especially with regards to environmental preference and risk taking. Only two motives fit into all the three elements of TRP, with most motives either explained by a single or dual reference point. Based on the findings, the study proposes its knowledge, marketing, and managerial implications.

New frontiers in international retirement migration

“…Here, several nationalities of retirees have been researched – British, German, Swedish and Japanese – and for a mix of relocation processes beyond the assumed ‘normal’ demographic unit of the retired couple. These modalities invoke the destination countries’ reputation for affordable, high-quality care; the mechanism of marriage migration, nearly always between older European men and much younger local women; and the arbitrage of a low cost of living in a warm climate, enhancing the purchasing power (for housing, food, medical care and other services) of what might be otherwise considered as modest pensions ( see inter alia Howard, 2008; Green, 2014; Ono, 2015; Wong and Musa, 2015; Horn et al ., 2016; Toyota, 2016; Botterill, 2017; Scuzzarello, 2020).…”

Identifying the Factors Affecting Second-Home Purchase Decisions of Foreigners in Turkey

“…Push and pull factors infl uence the process of an actual decision to migrate to a new community (Carlson et al, 1998). Research indicates that the pull motivation factors of international SH residents include climate (Åkerlund, 2017;Casado-Diaz, 1999;Casado-Diaz et al, 2004;Pampel et al, 1984;Rodriguez et al, 1998;Sunil et al, 2007;Warnes & Patterson, 1998;Wong & Musa, 2014;Wong & Musa, 2015), legal conveniences in property purchasing (Müller, 2011), natural beauty (Lipkina, 2013), house prices (Hall & Müller, 2004;Gibler et al, 2009;Kauppila, 2010;Lipkina, 2013;Rodriguez et al, 1998;Rodriguez et al, 2004;Warnes & Patterson, 1998), and advanced health services (Åkerlund, 2017;Casado-Diaz, 2006;Gibler et al, 2009;Ono, 2008;Pampel et al, 1984;Sunil et al, 2007). Literature suggests that push factors refl ect the psychological drivers of behavior such as escape, rest and relaxation, social interaction, health and fi tness, improved knowledge, adventure, and prestige (Wong et al, 2017;Wu & Pearce, 2014).…”

Itinerant Western Retirees in S. E. Asia: emancipation through mobility

“…That programme aims to attract IRM settlers motivated to improve their status quo for a better and enjoyable retirement (Wong and Musa, 2015). For the Malaysian government, the goal is to encourage international retiree residents as a practical economic strategy.…”